Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2020 BMW R 1250 GS peaked in 2020, with 3 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2020 BMW R 1250 GS
Motorcycle, gasoline, built in Germany. Owner complaints on file from Feb 13, 2020 to Nov 25, 2025.
Recall campaigns covering this model year632k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints84.0 times the median 2020 motorcycle
Severity index0.02020 motorcycles average 7.1
First 24 months5Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2020 BMW R 1250 GS name brakes
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
6 recall campaigns cover the 2020 BMW R 1250 GS
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V-011 | Jan 18, 2023 | In certain engine operating and riding conditions, the gearbox input shaft may become damaged or break, possibly resulting in a blocked rear wheel | Powertrain | 18,534 | Software update |
| 20V-476 | Aug 13, 2020 | Front brake calipers may leak brake fluid when parked | Brakes | 9,392 | Part replacement |
| 20V-166 | Mar 19, 2020 | Brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid and the process for filling the reservoir, possibly leading to an… | Brakes | 365 | Part replacement |
| 20V-165 | Mar 19, 2020 | Pivot pin that connects the final drive to the swing arm may be damaged, causing the connection between the final drive and swing arm to loosen | Powertrain | 4 | Part replacement |
| 20E-013 | Mar 19, 2020 | Brake fluid reservoir cap may not clearly state the required type of brake fluid and the process for filling the reservoir, possibly leading to an… | Brakes | 49 | Part replacement |
| 20V-146 | Mar 12, 2020 | Brake light may flash instead of remain steady during emergency braking | Lighting | 4,026 | Software update |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2020 BMW R 1250 GS
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
8 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Nov 25, 2025Failure Feb 14, 2024Kingsport, TNService brakes
Rear brake pedal goes soft over time decreasing the effectiveness and usability of the rear brake. Multiple attempts at bleeding per BMW SIB 34 01 21 have not corrected the issue. This is a severe safety issue as the rear brake is all but useless.
NHTSA complaint 11701398 - Filed May 31, 2023Failure Apr 10, 2023Suwanee, GAService brakes
Rear brake on motorcycle does not stop the motorcycle. After three BMW dealer visits and rear brakes having been bled, the rear brake pedal becomes soft and does not stop the motorcycle. The same problem occurred each time within 2-3 months of the repair. The only way to stop the motorcycle is to use the front brake. The BMW service department cannot explain the reason this keeps happening.
NHTSA complaint 11524570 - Filed May 14, 2022Failure May 1, 2022Acton, CAService brakes
Rear brake becomes soft and non operational after a period of 9 months. Once the brake has become "soft" the rear brake fails to apply caliper pressure and will not slow or stop the rear wheel. Additionally, at this point the automatic or manual hill hold also become non operational. Note... wide spread problem on the majority of BMW GS 2009-2021 as seen on the fourms such as "Adventure Rider" and "R1200GS info" search for "bmw gs soft rear brakes." Brake bleeds are a temporary fix. Replacing the rear brake master cylinder is a temporary fix. Computer bleeding the Bosch ABS module is also a temporary fix. Problem always returns. I am a federal Airframe and Powerplant technician and avionics installer i know brake systems. I already know BMW motorrad will bleed, bleed, then replace the master cylinder then will send a ticket to BMW Germany and not come up with an answer just like all the poor owners on the fourms. I personally service "bleed" my brakes every 6,000 miles to ensure "acceptable" operation.
NHTSA complaint 11464599 - Filed Jul 16, 2021Failure Mar 8, 20213,000 milesRenton, WAService brakes, Fluid, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2020 BMW R 1250 GS. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V476000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was made aware of the issue however, the manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that brake fluid was leaking from the caliper. The failure mileage was 3,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint 11425194 - Filed Feb 24, 2021Failure Feb 16, 20216,000 milesMorrisville, NCService brakes
EXCESSIVE WEAR ON REAR BRAKING COMPONENTS (PADS). AFTER 3000 MILES, PADS ONLY HAD 3MM OF MATERIAL. THE IS A HIGH DEGREE OF DISCOLORATION ON THE BRAKE COMPONENTS. ISSUE IS NOT ATTRIBUTED TO USER ERROR (I.E., RIDING THE BRAKES). BMW SERVICE HAS REFUSED TO ADDRESS, STATING BRAKE COMPONENTS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I'M REPORTING THIS ISSUE TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AS PART OF 'DUE DILIGENCE' TO COLLECT SAFETY RELATED INFORMATION WITH THE 2020 BMW R1250GSA BRAKE SYSTEM. THERE MIGHT BE A SYSTEMIC ISSUE WITH THE CALIPERS AND POSSIBLY THE ABS PRESSURE MODULATOR. NON-USER ATTRIBUTED EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE BRAKE PADS IS INDICATIVE OF SOME SORT OF MECHANICAL ISSUE THAT COULD IMPACT THE OVERALL SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE, SUCH AS LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY, TOTAL FAILURE OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM WITH THE POTENTIALLY OF WHEEL LOCK UP SHOULD THE SYSTEM APPLY FULL BRAKING TO THE REAR WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint 11397766 - Filed Apr 1, 2020Failure Mar 28, 2020700 milesLA Plata, MDService brakes
FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS ARE LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. NOTICEABLE DROPS ON WHEEL RIM WHEN PARKED.
NHTSA complaint 11319970 - Filed Feb 25, 2020Failure Dec 10, 201975 milesMukwonago, WIService brakes
BOTH FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS ARE LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. OBSERVED WHEN STATIONARY, DRIPPING FROM THE BOTTOM. ALSO SWEATS OF BRAKE FLUID OBSERVED AT THE SEAM (IT IS A TWO PIECE BRAKE CALIPER, MANUFACTURED BY HAYES). DEALER CANNOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE (CAN'T GET REPLACEMENT PARTS) AND BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFERED NO OTHER REMEDY. ESSENTIALLY I CANNOT RIDE A NEW BIKE FOR 3 MONTHS NOW WITHOUT BEING AFRAID FOR MY SAFETY.
NHTSA complaint 11311520 - Filed Feb 13, 2020Failure Nov 27, 20198,200 milesConroe, TXService brakes
BOTH FRONT CALIPERS ARE LEAKING FLUID. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR VERIFICATION AND REPAIR ON NOV 27 2019. I HAVE BEEN INQUIRING WITH THEM EVERY TWO WEEKS SINCE AS TO WHEN THEY MAY BE REPLACED WITH NOT EVEN AND ESTIMATED DATE. BMW MOTORRAD CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS ADVISED THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO ESCALATE THE CASE TO ANY OTHER DEPARTMENT TO GET THIS ISSUE RESOLVED AND THAT IT MUST BE DONE THROUGH THE DEALER. FLUID HAS ALSO LEAKED ON THE FRONT WHEEL AND TIRE. AT THIS POINT, THE BIKE CANNOT BE TRUSTED TO STOP.
NHTSA complaint 11308994
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
14 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- MC330423 Aug 31, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Driveshaft Maintenance Schedule Change - B611305 Jan 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âdisc… - MC160323 Aug 14, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Vehicle goes into emergency operation mode and a warning light illuminates on the instrument cluster. - SIB630122 Apr 24, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
LED headlights were temporarily unavailable from the Factory and some R 1250 GS and R 1250 GSAdventure units were built with the halogen headlight in order to ensure safe use. - SIB330222 Apr 24, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts ofthe driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic conditions. - SIB460123 Mar 8, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Frame and mounting parts - MC000222 Nov 8, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW Motorrad is aware of a number of cases in which the screw connections of the Paralever link and/or the rear brake caliper have loosened in customer vehicles while driving. - SIB330222 Jul 28, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Multiple factors may cause the driveshaft to become damaged; among them are corrosion in certain parts of the driveshaft, and wear and tear exacerbated by certain climatic conditions. - SIB610321 May 13, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BATTERY EMPTY DESPITE CHARGER. - MC610321 Mar 18, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The motorcycle will not start. The vehicle battery is empty even though the battery charger was permanently connected to the 12V power socket. - MC460521 Nov 3, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Stress corrosion cracks may occur on the studs of certain milled footrests from the BMW Motorrad special accessories catalog for the GS models. - MC610821 Jul 13, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
When diagnosing fault codes (0x3A13D7, 0x3A13D9), technicians erroneously condemn the electronic throttle grip, which analyses show is rarely the culprit. - MC340121 May 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
During operation of the rear wheel foot brake lever, the rider feels a soft pressure point or perceptibly longer lever travel - MC000621 Jun 23, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
BMW Motorrad USA is pleased to announce the launch of the BMW Motorrad Ultimate Care Program, effective June 23 , 2021. Three different plans will be offered for consumer bikes, as well as two Authority-specific plans. Model-year 2020 and newer BMW Motorcyc…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.